Animation UK welcomes the appointment of three new Council representatives to oversee the animation members over the next term.
The Animation Council is at the heart of shaping Animation UK’s policies and priorities, setting the agenda for growth in our industry. We are delighted to welcome three newly elected representatives who will lead the charge for the next term.
Elected by our animation members every two years, the Council plays a crucial role in driving initiatives – from our Blueprint for Growth to key events, trade missions, and the Animation UK awards. Their leadership will help steer the sector through the challenges and opportunities ahead.
The newly elected members are Ralph Kamp, Founder & CEO at Timeless Films Limited, Tim Searle, Director and Producer at Tim Searle Animation Ltd., and Sueann Rochester, Co-Founder and CEO of Wild Child Animation.
These representatives join the existing Council, which is comprised of Phil Dobree, Founder of Jellyfish Pictures; Ruth Fielding, Joint MD at Lupus Films; Ed Galton, CEO at Cake Entertainment (co-opted); Oli Hyatt, MD at Blue Zoo; Barney Goodland, Producer at Magic Light Pictures; Jon Rennie, MD at Cloth Cat Animation; Jamie Badminton, Creative Director and Senior Producer at Karrot Entertainment; Britt Gardiner, COO at Locksmith Animation; Sean Clarke, MD at Aardman Animations; Duncan Fraser, Head of Production at A Productions Ltd.; Deborah Thorpe, Founder and Creative Director at Kelebek Media Ltd.; Tracy Liddell, Joint MD and Producer at Studio Liddell; and Richard Gordon, MD and Producer at JAM Media.
All four nations are represented on the Council, reflecting the animation sector as the most geographically diverse sector of the screen industries.
Ralph Kamp is a producer and entrepreneur with over 40 years of experience in the film production and distribution business. Starting his career with Monty Python, working on classics such as The Meaning of Life and A Fish Called Wanda, he then launched and built several companies, including Mel Gibson’s Icon Entertainment and his own family business, Timeless Films.
Some of his films include Dances with Wolves, Driving Miss Daisy, Braveheart, What Woman Want, Spiceworld and Phantom of the Opera. Ralph has also developed, produced and distributed multiple animated feature films, including Valiant, Space Chimps, The Miracle Maker, Monster Family 1&2, Rock Dog 1,2&3, Animals United, Dragon Rider, Extinct and the musical, Scrooge: A Christmas Carol.
Tim Searle is a BAFTA winning director, producer, executive producer and enthusiast. He has worked in animation for over 30 years and is best known for his work on Mr Bean, Danger Mouse, Have I Got News for You, Dennis & Gnasher Unleashed, I am Not An Animal, 2DTV, Horrible Histories, Toad & Friends, and more.
Tim started Triffic Films shortly after graduating the animation course at Farnham, making innovative work for broadcast comedy. He was on the Skillset then ScreenSkills Animation Skills Council, and has hosted courses on Creative Production and Creative Direction. Tim was also part of the small group who went to the Treasury to push for the UK tax break and is a passionate advocate for UK production and for young audiences.
Sueann Rochester is the Co-Founder and CEO of Wild Child Animation, bringing extensive experience in storytelling for clients like Cartoon Network, Disney, and the BBC. Her notable works include producing BAFTA and EMMY-nominated series such as Dennis & Gnasher and Ask Lara and the BAFTA-winning The Brilliant World of Tom Gates for Sky Kids.
Sueann began her career in hands-on production but now leverages her 20 years of experience to guide Wild Child Animation’s strategic direction as CEO. Sueann’s focus is building key partnerships and driving business growth while ensuring that Wild Child’s creative principles are at the forefront of their initiatives. Under her leadership, the studio empowers a team of over 100 talented creatives to produce award-winning work while ensuring Wild Child’s core creative values remain at the heart of every project.
Beyond her role at Wild Child, Sueann is an active board member for Animation Scotland, advocating for emerging talent, innovation, and the global recognition of Scottish animation.
